New covers for a shell knife

[Dan In MI]

I did a search and didn't find any topics that 100% addressed my questions. That said, I have this Imperial toothpick:

A chunk of the mark side cover worked itself free. A better look:

I've wanted to put new covers on it from the moment I got it in-hand. Having given it a better look, the pins neither look nor feel like they were put through the covers. It looks like the only pin that would go through the covers is the one securing the spring. Hopefully the below photo does an okay job showing the pile side of the pin (the pin is much more well hidden on the mark side):

It looks like all I'd have to do is remove the old covers, cut and shape new ones, and epoxy them on. Or am I missing something? I know it's possible to convert them to more conventional construction, but I'll save that particular endeavor for a later time. Working with the existing covers would also be a viable option, provided they're not celluloid.

Thanks to all who provide help!

[dlr110]

I did a search and didn't find any topics that 100% addressed my questions. That said, I have this Imperial toothpick:

Cracked Ice Imperial Toothpick.jpg

A chunk of the mark side cover worked itself free. A better look:

Broken Shell Knife Cover.jpg

I've wanted to put new covers on it from the moment I got it in-hand. Having given it a better look, the pins neither look nor feel like they were put through the covers. It looks like the only pin that would go through the covers is the one securing the spring. Hopefully the below photo does an okay job showing the pile side of the pin (the pin is much more well hidden on the mark side):

Shell Knife Pin.jpg

It looks like all I'd have to do is remove the old covers, cut and shape new ones, and epoxy them on. Or am I missing something? I know it's possible to convert them to more conventional construction, but I'll save that particular endeavor for a later time. Working with the existing covers would also be a viable option, provided they're not celluloid.

Thanks to all who provide help!

Dan I just did one not too long ago and I covered the pin through the spring and the end pins are just there for looks. They are not holding the scales on and the scales were epoxied in place.

[OLDE CUTLER]

If it is a shell handle knife, you should see tabs bent over to hold the shell covers on when looking at the ends of the knife on Imperials. Some Colonials used tabs inside the liners which were bent over to fasten the shell handles on. You wont be able to remove just the covers, the covers and bolsters are all one piece. Shell handle knives do not have pins coming thru the handle material, the pins are underneath the shell covers.

[Bill DeShivs]

Olde Cutler is correct. There are no visible pins on that knife.
The shell covers are celluloid, and they were heat-fitted to the handles. I can replace them, but it's a very involved and expensive process.
If you must take them off, about your only option is to use paint to replace them.

[Reverand]

I have peeled the wrap off of a couple of Imperial knives and painted them. It is easy, but if you do try it, use a good surface prep, a good paint, and perhaps a clear coat afterward. I used model paints and they look great, but the paint scratches off easily.

[tinkerer]

There's a vinyl wrap product called "Avery Gloss Pearl White Supreme Wrapping Film" that you may be able to use. It's normally used on cars or motorcycles.

[Dan In MI]

The knife in question is an Imperial. Each bolster has a tab that is bent inward.

My biggest concern is determining what material is currently on the knife. I'm holding onto a glimmer of hope that it's not celluloid, though that seems increasingly unlikely. The only way to conclusively determine that (as far as I'm aware) is destructive.

The wrapping film sounds like it has potential.

Thanks to all for the replies!

[Oledadsknives]

I have peeled the wrap off of a couple of Imperial knives and painted them. It is easy, but if you do try it, use a good surface prep, a good paint, and perhaps a clear coat afterward. I used model paints and they look great, but the paint scratches off easily.

Hey Reverand, you might want to try some latex Zinsser 123 first before paint. I’ve used it on cabinets and trim and it holds great and won’t scratch off. I’ve heard you can paint glass with it and it will hold although I haven’t tried that.
Jimbo

[Bill DeShivs]

Of course the wraps are celluloid. That's what they used.

[Dan In MI]

I went ahead and did the burn test. They were indeed celluloid. Being a potentially self-destructive material that wasn't in good condition, it's got to go.

Below is a photo of the mark side after I got most of the cover stripped off. Luckily there doesn't seem to be any serious damage.

Now I have to figure out how to best remove the old stuff (the wrap on the pile side is putting up a fight) and determine if celluloid was used on Imperial shell knives between 1956 and 1988.

Edit: most of the old stuff has been removed.